Overview

This full-day small-group tour in Istanbul lasts about eight hours and covers essential landmarks in the Old Town. The tour starts around 9:00 AM and ends near 5:00 PM, with exact times depending on hotel location, group size, weather, and queues. Groups consist of 1 to 10 people. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned minivan unless the hotel is located centrally in the old city, in which case walking is used between sites since the Sultanahmet area is closed to traffic. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included for locations within the city centre. A professional English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day, providing detailed explanations at each stop. The first visit is to the Blue Mosque, where the group spends about 45 minutes. Women must cover their heads, shoulders, and knees to enter; scarves and wraps are available at mosque entrances for a fee if not brought by visitors. Next, the tour continues with a one-hour visit to the Grand Bazaar, where the guide explains the history and function of the market. If the Grand Bazaar is closed (Sundays), the Spice Bazaar is visited instead. The group then stops at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque for about 30 minutes. The guide provides information from outside the building because general mosque entrance is restricted to Turkish citizens. Foreign visitors may enter the Gallery Section for an additional fee, but this is not included in the tour. After that, the tour visits the Hippodrome for 45 minutes, where the guide discusses the historical monuments in the square. The final stop is Topkapi Palace, where the group spends approximately two and a half hours. The guide offers detailed information about the palace and can assist with purchasing skip-the-line tickets that include access to the Harem section. If Topkapi Palace is closed (Tuesdays), the tour visits the Underground Cistern instead. Visitors should be prepared for significant walking throughout the day. Entrance fees, meals, drinks, and gratuities are not included in the tour price.

Highlights

Itinerary

Meeting point

Languages

Cancellation policy

• Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info